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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> September 18,2023 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Bollis clarified that the property does not front on lakeshore. <br /> Rebecca Holzem,3407 East Lake Street,the applicant, said at the time of her first approval she had <br /> agreed to forgo the deck because she couldn't afford it. She pointed to neighbors who have larger decks. <br /> She would like to have room for a table and chairs and some comfortable furniture. She said she would <br /> willing to make a smaller deck. <br /> Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 6:11 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments. <br /> Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 6:11 p.m. <br /> Bollis asked about credit for decks with slats or permeable surfaces. <br /> Nye said that the credit is not available in the lakeshore setback. <br /> Ressler pointed out the property does not abut on lakeshore but is affected by lakeshore setbacks. <br /> Kirchner said his comments would be similar but he is also looking at earlier variances and what was said <br /> about hard cover. <br /> Libby said the property is affected by the creek and there could be high water again.He said he could not <br /> support this but said the applicant should get feedback from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. <br /> Nye said that is part of the process. <br /> Erickson said the application does not appear to meet the intent of the original ordinance. Typically, in <br /> these requests there is a reduction in hardcover somewhere else. <br /> Bollis said he is leaning toward it being reasonable to have outdoor living space. <br /> Revis Stephenson 3760 Watertown Road, said he doesn't know the applicant but doesn't see how they <br /> cannot approve this based on something in 2005 which is almost 20 years ago.A neighbor's garage was <br /> approved and that is substantially bigger.He said he didn't know how they can sit there and tell this <br /> woman she can't have a deck. <br /> Holzem showed photos marking off what she is proposing. She said the neighbors with the garage were to <br /> remove pavers but added them back and added more. <br /> Nye said the language in the 2005 resolution about hardcover was typical at that time. <br /> Libby pointed out precedent and that the decisions now are being made under a new comprehensive plan. <br /> Bollis said that 2024 plan is more about zoning and he doesn't see her request as being inconsistent with <br /> the neighborhood. They were not around when the neighboring house and garage was built but that <br /> changed the character of the neighborhood, <br /> Page 2 of 7 <br />